10 Top Books On Headphones
Best Over-Ear Headphones
Over-ear headphones surround your ears and immerse you into music. They are usually made for audiophiles and come with features such as active noise cancelling and control apps.
The Focal Bathys is a wireless device that includes ANC, a mobile app to adjust the EQ, and presets. They also support high-res audio via USB-C for wired listening.
Sony WH-1000XM5
The WH1000XM5 earphones from Sony are the most recent upgrade in their noise cancelling lineup. They sport a new design, improved ANC, and many of the same features as their predecessors, but with higher-end materials and a slightly higher-quality sound.
At only 250g, they're a light weight for over-ear ANC headsets. They're very comfortable to wear for long periods of time, even when you're listening to a podcast or reading a book. The headband has a friction-rod design, similar to the Grado Labs SR60x, which prevents your ears getting too cold.
The WH-1000XM5 features a distinctive sound signature designed to satisfy both people who listen to music for pleasure as also serious audiophiles. It is tuned with a slight emphasis in bass, yet it's not harsh or overpowering. They feature a wide and open soundstage with good instrument separation, which lets you hear subtleties in your music. The earcups feature control buttons that are easy to use and responsive. Swipe up or down to adjust headphones shops . You can also swipe forward to listen to the next track and backwards to hear the prior track. The headphones can be connected to two devices at once and will automatically stop playback whenever you take them off your head due to the built-in sensor. You can activate ambient mode by placing your palm on the right ear cup. This allows you to listen to the sounds around you without having to take off the headphones.
Other helpful features include the ability to pair them with your voice assistant, Bluetooth low-energy, and support for hi-res audio (via LDAC). They come with a sturdy carrying case made of high-end fabric as well as a USB-C cable to charge. The headphones are compatible with most Android and iOS smartphones, as well as with computers running Windows and macOS. The battery longevity of the WH1000XM5 is excellent. In our test of the standard battery we had 31 hours and 53 minutes with the ANC on which was higher than Sony's advertised 30-hour battery life.
The WH1000XM5 has a great microphone for making calls. There is no static or muffled audio in the background. The noise cancellation performance is top-quality, and they're a good fit for public transport or the office.
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2
The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 provides a significant improvement over its predecessor. It features a range of new features and performance. This includes 24-bit wireless streaming enhanced active noise cancellation, and crystal clear voice quality on any compatible tablet or mobile phone. The 40mm drivers, which are designed specifically and angled inside each earcup, offer more immersive and focused listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones provide excellent call clarity, even in noisy environments. And an inline remote and microphone lets you control your calls and music on any compatible device.
These headphones have a similar sleek and refined look to the original PX7. They have accent rings around the earcups as well as a silver sheen on the headband. The memory foam earcups fit comfortably, but not too tightly on the cranium. The redesigned shape and form took many months to perfect, providing an incredibly comfortable clamping force that doesn't push too hard, even on my own rotund cranium.
At 10.8 grams (or 307g) They weigh 2 ounces lighter than Sony WH-1000XM5, and are a touch smaller. The headphones are light enough to be carried in a backpack or bag and are comfortable to wear throughout long listening sessions. The headband can be folded using a sturdy hinge at the back.
They're powered by Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive support, which is good for both high-resolution audio and tight video sync. You can play the headphones wired, too, with the included 3.5mm cable that connects to a USB-C port on the right earcup. The headphone's status indicator is a helpful touch with a green flash to indicate a rapid charge, and solid blue when Bluetooth pairing is in progress.
The B&W app has similar controls to the hardware onboard buttons such as bass and treble adjustments, action button assignment, wear detection, cycle through ANC modes and much more. When you listen to music on your iPhone the app displays album cover and track titles. Popular extras such as music presets, soundscapes and music mode aren't available, however.
Sennheiser HD 800 S
The HD 800 S is a successor to the legendary Sennheiser headphones and is designed to meet the most demanding expectations. The technical design was designed to provide a breath-taking detail resolution that covers the entire frequency spectrum, dynamic range, and stereo panorama. It also offers the most realistic sound you'll ever experience in a pair of open-back headphones.
The headphone has an impedance of 300 Ohms, so it requires a high-quality headphone amplifier to drive it at the right levels, without distortion. A balanced connection is recommended since this can double the power output and enhance the overall sound quality.
These headphones are designed for professional use. They have a metal frame and a mix of leather and plastic padding. The design is minimalist and doesn't look like an expensive pair of headphones, however they feel luxurious in the hands and are built to last. They come with a carry pouch as well as an additional audio cable, as well as an 1/4" to 1/8" adapter.
The HD 800 S has a neutral sound that reproduces instruments and vocals with a natural sound, even though they are a little light on bass. This is because the open-back design creates a large and out-of-head, passive soundstage. Their treble performance is excellent, with only minor dips and peaks. The treble region is also very linear, so you shouldn't have any issues cutting sibilants, or the upper impact of the snare drum.
Despite the lack of a booming bass, they can still produce a punch and dynamism when needed. They'll still be a great choice for those who enjoy listening to rock music with powerful basslines, but they may not sound as fun as some of the models on this list such as the HiFiMan Arya.
In the mids, these Sennheiser headphones are hard to beat. They are extremely linear and have a slight scoop in the upper mids that will not be noticed by most listeners. They are also able to reproduce fine time gradations in vocals which is a major benefit.
The HD 800 S is a pair of premium headphones that are perfect for audiophiles and professionals. Their impressive sonic performance and comfortable fitting make them a great choice. The headphones are expensive but they will last you for many years and perform in any environment.
Anker Soundcore Life Q20
The Anker Soundcore Q20 is a good set of headphones for anyone looking to pass the time or simply need an affordable pair of headphones that cancel out noise. The headphones come with a simple bag that will protect them when you put them into the bag. Their battery can last for several long-haul flights. Their ANC does a good job of blocking out chattering passengers and engine rumbles on the plane, but their audio profile is a little warm and bass-heavy.
The Life Q20's controls can be easy to use and clearly marked. On the left earcup, you'll see buttons to pair and power up the headphones, as well as turning on and off the active noise cancellation. On the right earcup, you'll see controls for playback of media. This includes a multi-function button that activates the phone's voice assistant and switches on Anker BassUp (more about it later). You can also utilize the built-in microphone in order to make hands-free calls with your phone.
Anker's Soundcore Q20 headphone offers a deep and immersive listening experience due to its custom 40 mm dynamic driver that provides certified Hi-Res audio. The headphones feature a treble range that reaches up to 40 kHz. Their active noise cancellation is designed to filter out a wide range of mid- and low-frequency sound.
One important thing to be aware of about the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 is that they don't support aptX, which is a disappointment. This means you will not be able to take advantage of the superior codes' lower latency when gaming on your computer.
In terms of comfort, the Life Q20's memory foam earcups and headband are comfortable enough to wear for long periods of time without causing any discomfort. The earcups are capable of turning, allowing them to adapt to the particular shape of your head, so you can achieve a perfect fit. The included 3.5mm audio cable allows you to listen to music while charging the battery.